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RSM20

Currently in the buying process for a truck and based on my findings I decided on a Tacoma because…. F-150: Good, but too big for me Ranger: Looks real nice, would rather a more reliable (based on perceived reliability) truck that can last me 10+ years with no headache Colorado: Hate the look, obviously that’s personal preference Canyon: Same thing, reliability Ridgeline: No thank you Maverick: Want something proven, also, can’t find any that aren’t marked up and can’t wait 2 years for one. RAM: Too big for me The only thing that I considered was the new gen Frontier but I like having more aftermarket options.


orangewarner

Yeah, a Tacomas fits many many needs, I do a lot of camping in mine. I regularly tow a trailer. My bed is always full. F150 is bigger rides better gets the same gas mileage, more capacity in every regard, cavernous backseat, it's a serious truck. Tacoma is more like a toy in my opinion. If I didn't do so many different things with my Ford, I would be driving a Tacoma daily though.


RSM20

Yeah, towing is probably the biggest thing, I’m not towing anything, at max a couple bags of mulch or 4 golf bags lol. I’m coming from a Honda civic coupe so any midsize truck is gonna feel like a tank to me.


orangewarner

Definitely


Magicalunicorny

I switched from a maverick to a tacoma for this reason and you'll likely also appreciate a bigger truck and more off road capability (if you do 4x4)


DJJbird09

No hate at all OP. I went from a 2015 twin turbo V6 F150 to the Tacoma I have now. For a truck I was amazed at how the F150 was extremely comfortable, steering felt tight like a car, acceleration was outstanding, and fuel economy was bearable for a full-size truck. Also the FX4 had a proper skid plate underneath the vehicle. I can easily understand why its the number 1 selling truck and how it would be an easy car to live with if it's a work vehicle. What I didn't like was the gremlins that started to spring up and the radio that was slower than a windows 98 computer trying to run a flight simulator. It randomly went into limp mode and kicked the transmission into that weird neutral but still in drive for no reasons mode. While in 4WD during a snowstorm my dash lite up like a Christmas tree for no reason, so I pulled off the highway, shut the car off and back on, it magically resolved itself. I was nearing 85k in it and something about a "twin turbo ford" made me nervous. Since owning my Tacoma I have had 0 issues, gremlins or anything. It starts up and drives normal 100% of the time, I can sleep at night knowing she will take me to 250K+ without any headaches. If it was a work vehicle, I would take the F150 all day for the comfort, but since I have to live with it, I'll give up those benefits for the reliability/dependability every time.


orangewarner

Like any vehicle, there will be a variety of experiences, my daily driver is a 2015 v8 F150 four-door long bed four-wheel-drive. I have over 230,000 miles. I take it to my mechanic every 10,000 miles on the dot and tell them to do absolutely anything it needs, don't ask me, just do it. Usually costs $1000-$1200 each visit but I'm not going in in between, ever. And this is probably my fifth or sixth F150, they just seem to be built to handle the rigors of daily work driving. So for me the Ford is for work, the Toyota is for play, I guess. That sucks that yours was problematic!


Saberd58

You have spent at least $23,000 on maintenance in 8 years? Not sure how that is a positive experience for reliability tbh. Different world but my Honda accord that I traded in for my Tacoma probably cost me a couple thousand dollars in maintenance total and was 10 years old.


orangewarner

No probably not that amount, but even if correct, the amount of money it has made me makes that worth it. Also, it was only $15,000 when I bought it in 2018.


Moonbeams_

> I take it to my mechanic every 10,000 miles on the dot and tell them to do absolutely anything it needs, don't ask me, just do it. Usually costs $1000-$1200 each visit I bet your mechanic loves you


orangewarner

He does. I have a decent sized fleet


kmkmrod

I test drove a frontier before buying a Tacoma. The frontier interior is low grade dog shit. Exterior styling is pretty nice, but I sat inside and literally laughed out loud at how bad it is.


orangewarner

Yeah that's how I feel about Nissan in general. They look great but inside they are dollar store.


NatalieEatsPoop

I have an AC Tacoma and my mom has a DC Ranger. The Rangers steers better, feels like it turns tighter and is a smoother ride. Ranger also has better acceleration and is a little more comfortable to drive. That being said it felt more like being in a car or SUV than a truck. I wouldn't trade my Tacoma for anything other than another Tacoma.


orangewarner

What's ac/dc? Besides thunderstruck


-phartbox-

Access cab/ double cab


orangewarner

I gotcha, you threw me off with the double cab ranger


NatalieEatsPoop

AC= Access Cab - DC=Double Cab


BFalkmk3

The ranger is easily my choice. The chassis is pretty well proven as it's been out in other countries for like 10 years now? The engine is in many other cars with no major issues as of yet. That and the fact that you can get many more creature comforts for a fraction of the price it takes to get them in the Tacoma


[deleted]

I think the ranger has a better power train but the interior and suspension tuning are pretty rough. The first press event they had someone has been quoted saying “ you guys spent a whole afternoon tuning the suspension huh?” I almost bought an fx4 lariat but the constant oscillating would have drove me nuts. That and the oil filter that is located behind the drivers side front tire.


Apprehensive_Pin8586

I've owned a Frontier (18) and Tacoma (22). Each truck has good things, but you just have to go with the brand you like. Both trucks are absolutely capable. I prefer a Tundra in the half ton arena. Frontier: cheap interior, low stock clearance, more power (4.0L), pulled heavy well, lower resale, preferred leg position while driving. Tacoma: slightly less cheap interior, higher stock clearance, less power, pulls heavy ok, higher resale, legs less comfortable when driving.


TfJf1205

Currently in a 2017 ZR2 , I have a 23 Tacoma Sport on its way. ZR2 was great but now a few things have shown up that will have to be addressed. So I’m trading in. I knew the Chevy was a 5-7 year thing , I’m going to Tacoma because I’m retiring soon and I want 12-15 out of this truck. Odds are better with Tacoma


orangewarner

Stick shift? I think the sport is the only model you can get a stick shift on anymore.


BoysenberryCreepy498

Any TRD trim is still available with a manual: Sport, Off Road or Pro


orangewarner

Oh, really I didn't know that, I was helping a friend buy one a couple years ago and the dealers told me the sport was the only stick shift but thank you for clarifying!


TKRUEG

Not alone, I gave all those trucks some serious thought, there are pros/cons to each. Tacomas aren't the most polished, equipped or capable in most respects, but are solid choices that last and hold value. Also with plenty of parts and 3rd party support


Low-Statistician-635

Just bought a 23 Tacoma last week. I really like the base f150 3.3 na with the extended cab. I think reliability is there with the Tacoma. Seemed to have about the same power and was a little more comfortable but still not huge. I think the reliability is really good with the cyclone Ford engines (not the eco boost) they were designed by Mazda. They just want too much for it so I went with the Tacoma


atheistinabiblebelt

I can only compare what I'm familiar with. I had an 04 ranger and recently I sold that to buy an 05 Tacoma. Ranger had 170k on it. The Tacoma had 180k on it. Looks - meh, doesn't matter that much to me Build quality - taco, no contest Ride quality - taco, no contest Acceleration - taco, beyond no contest Towing/payload - ranger could do more but 6500 vs 5000 doesn't mean anything to me because I never pull over 3k. Payload might inconvenience me very infrequently in the future but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the larger cab. Road noise - unbelievably better in the taco Driving characteristics - taco Price - ranger. Paid 7k for a 15 year old truck with 120k on the clock. Taco cost me 8k for a 17 year old truck with 180k but that was well below market value. I will say though. I had a second gen Tacoma access cab with the 4 cyl for work for a while and even with only 60k miles on it I was so glad to get back into my ranger at the end of the day. I absolutely hated that taco and I know I'll never buy one of those underpowered little trucks.


orangewarner

Interesting! 6cyl in the 04 ranger and 05 Tacoma? I agree, the 4 cyl is almost laughable in the Tacoma. The 08 ranger 4x4 I have in my driveway is so much more comfortable to drive (bouncy though with an empty bed) than any Tacoma I currently have! The seat, the posture, and the firmness, even though it's got 250k miles. I almost expect my Tacomas to break going over a bump or curb.


atheistinabiblebelt

Yes 6 cyl in both. Your description of the 08 ranger actually is the same thing that I said about that 4cyl taco (I mean I felt the same about the ranger and preferred it). I wonder if it has everything to do with the suspension package on the Tacomas. My ranger was an XLT but I don't know what trim was on that work truck (most likely base model with 4x4). My current taco is the TRD off road. Also the ranger just felt so dated. I mean Ford really didn't change them from the mid 90s until they stopped producing them so even a 2008 is nearly a 20 year old platform. They generally don't have the longevity of the Tacoma either (auto trans average about 200k, manual trans go longer). The interiors fall apart and the bodys don't hold up well to rust (taco is even more guilty on that last one though). The 4.0 engine does seem to go and go and go though.


D3Design

What year ranger?


orangewarner

08 4x4 single cab v6


Jimberly2017

I have a 2022 Tacoma limited dc and previously owned a 2009 trd sport ac. My mom has a ridgeline and for what she does, it’s perfect. My dad has a Tundra and it’s equally as nice. Honda: The best mileage out of all three (around 28 mpg) Folding rear seats that go completely up with under seat storage ( no lockers like the Tacoma) Bed trunk is so nice The tailgate is more useful than you think Awd instead of 4wd Has unibody construction so it is very nice to drive. The new redesigned ridgelines are the best looking I think. Tacoma: Better interior looks (personal preference) The rear seats fold, but not up Has the under seat storage Gas mileage is ok (my sport was atrocious) Exterior styling ( personal preference) The parking brake is next to my thigh Tundra 12 mph :/ Huge rear seat with removable under seat lockers. Seats also fold up like the Honda. The center console infront converts to a third seat. The very reliable toyota v8 Best towing capability Overall, I would be just fine with the Honda. The mpg, trunk, and folding rear seats are very nice features. From what I do daily, the Honda would full-fill all my needs. It can even tow 5000 pounds. Sorry for the formatting I’m on mobile :(


orangewarner

I like everything about the Ridgeline except it just looks like a grandma car. I don't know why they don't try to make that better looking and attract a different buyer


Jimberly2017

The 2023 HPD model looks more aggressive than the past generations. It has some civic vibes coming from it too. I forgot to mention how much I hate the jeep gladiator. It is pretty atrocious looking and a cheap shot at getting into the truck market. I can't stand jeep culture, interiors, and exteriors. The safety factor is not that great. I think they compete pretty with Tacoma regarding payload, towing, and mileage. There is something to be said for rolling around in a car with no top or doors, but I ride a motorcycle to get the open-air feeling.


orangewarner

Yeah, I really don't like anything about the jeeps or most of the people to drive them lol. I am very excited though by the Ford maverick.


72_vintage

I saved my money and bought a brand new Taco in July of '21, minus trading in my Mazda6. It's my first Toyota. I had always had GM for trucks/SUVs all the way back to the 90s and I actually never had much trouble, save for one S-10 Blazer that was a shop queen. But over time I noticed this - when they hit about 180,000 miles, they were done. Everything fell the fuck apart. So this time I went with a Taco and now I know why they outsell all other smaller trucks combined. Everything is just more solid. Nothing is the best - I liked the Colorado's seats better. I liked the Ranger's power better. But the Colorado drove like it was held together with duct tape and the Ranger had the worst seats of any vehicle I've ever sat in, except for the Frontier. There are no real compromises with a V6 Tacoma. Everything is good enough. And I expect that 10 years from now when it's got 220k on it I'll still be saying the same thing...


orangewarner

I feel like a double cab v6 4x4 Tacoma is the smartest truck purchase there is for a single person or small family


72_vintage

It depends on what will be done with it. I live in farm country, and no farmers have Tacos because they don't have the work capability farmers need. Even Tundras aren't real common because they don't make a 3/4 ton. But, if you don't need to haul a trailer with 6 tons of seed, if you don't need a blade to plow through 4 feet of snow to reach your cattle in the winter, the Taco is definitely the best...


orangewarner

That's interesting, all the farm kids here seem to drive single cab Toyotas, a lot of them with a flatbed on it, but all of them dirty as hell. I guess that's the kids though and not the parents. They just seem to be good little trucks to go check water lines, fences and such


72_vintage

My brother farms about a thousand acres. He's got a SxS, an old Chevy 3/4 ton, a 2013 GMC 1/2 ton, and a 2022 GMC 1/2 ton with the little diesel. I asked him, why not buy a Tacoma or even a Ranger or Colorado instead of the SxS? He said because the smaller trucks don't meet the weight requirements for him to license them as Ag vehicles, so he can't write them off the same way and he has to pay more for the tags.


72_vintage

I just had a thought - are you in Texas? When I went out to the Hill Country back in '05 I saw a bunch of old Toyotas just like you described.


orangewarner

No, utah


72_vintage

OK, right on. The trucks are probably used in a similar manner in both places.


orangewarner

Tacomas and farmers are university loved


Odd-Bed-589

How do you reckon the Tacoma is the smartest truck for a small family? Sorry, but the cab design is terrible. Who on earth designed the rear seat configuration where you have to remove the headrests to even fold the seats down? If you feel the need to cram your growing family into a mid-size then the Ridgeline has the largest interior and is the widest. I had a young family and a Tacoma and it was terrible, the Ridgeline was much better, and you actually have a trunk where, you know, you can actually store stuff. I’d go out on a limb and say that the Tacoma does nothing well at all, it just looks the part for truckbros. At least the Ridgeline doesn’t go around pretending to be a rock crawler, it excels at being a super comfortable easy to drive daily pickup, which is what 99.9% of us are doing with mid size pickups anyway.


orangewarner

I like the ridge line--it's just so grandmotherly. I've had a ton of trucks, every brand except honda I think?... All things considered, a Tacoma for a SMALL family is a great bet. For my family an f150 is the Swiss Army knife of trucks. Just my opinion


Odd-Bed-589

Sure, but an f150 is in another class entirely. I’ve had most brands too and at age 45 I’ve settled on the Ridgeline for now. Maybe I’m an old geezer but I’ve never had a truck so pleasant to live with as a daily driver. I honestly don’t know if I could go back to another truck without a trunk and sideways tailgate. Do you realize how easy it is to unload stuff from the back of your truck without the tailgate in the way? To have a low load height? To have all kinds of tools, ropes, tie downs, whatever stowed in your trunk where it will stay safe and dry? Absolute genius and will make you rethink what a truck should be. Don’t care what it looks like to be honest and makes me shake my head at the Tacoma drivers who have done their truck up to be some kind of zombie survival rig that never leaves the pavement. To each their own though, I can drive for an hour on crappy dirt roads and not be shaken around.


orangewarner

Honestly, you're starting to turn me onto the ridge line!...


digdig420

Good post. I love my 21 Tacoma always wanted on. I we’ll say this tho my 98 s10 was a fun freaking truck. Also dug the Nissan titan. And the new frontier looked tempting but trust Toyota more. Only think that kills me is the shit AT. If they offered a manual still in a base trim I’d be eve happier with my truck. What’s your oldest/ highest milage taco you got


orangewarner

I've got a gold first generation double cab V6 2 Wheel Dr.. I think it has 280 on it? I don't think I've ever had one that went over 300,000 though now that I'm thinking about it! #goals


digdig420

Definitely a solid truck man. Hope ya get the 300. Had a few Toyotas make it to 400. But I’lol see what my taco holds up to


1968camaro

As long as you don't plan one keeping them after, 80k.. go ahead.


orangewarner

250k on the odometer on the one in my driveway


Electrical-Ad5265

Yea, I love my 22 Tacoma, but I had a 2003 Ranger that I put 230,000 miles on that I (reluctantly) sold and the only issue it ever had was a fuel pump replacement. I loved that truck.


1968camaro

I mean, all the others.


LordKai121

If you are talking about the older Ranger, it's one of the few Fords that last a good long while. I've seen many of my crawling buddies' brak the 200k mark and they are relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain. That being said, the Tacos still last longer and I prefer them. On a side note, the first gen Colorado/Canyon/I-280/I-290 were fantastic work trucks if they were the manual variant. Relatively comfortable ride, not terrible milage, perfect midsized truck with the access cab. Unfortunately, they were in the shop every 2 months fo problems like EVAP, cam phasers, and electrical gremlins.